Ticona has developed a graphite-filled grade of its Vectra LCP

Ticona has developed a graphite-filled grade of its Vectra LCP

Engineering polymer maker Ticona has introduced a material for injection moulding of bipolar plates, taking the economic manufacture of automotive fuel cells one step forward. Working with SGL Carbon, the company has developed a highly graphite-filled grade of its Vectra liquid crystal polymer for the application. Automotive development manager Frank Reil said the material can be injection moulded on a 10-second cycle time.

Each fuel cell would typically require 200 of the bipolar plates per cell – and each car would need two such cells. But the injection moulded plates need manufacture at rates of several thousand before the technology becomes competitive against compression moulding, Reil cautioned.

Speaking at Ticona’s K show preview in Bavaria, Reil pointed to a Japanese target of 100,000 fuel cell powered cars on the road by 2010.